Tsakalis Audioworks
Temples of Tone
award-winning hand-made premium effects pedals
Hailing from Athens, Greece, Tsakalis AudioWorks endeavours to bring the sound that lives in your head to life.
When founder Chris Tsakalis started out repairing gear for players in Athens, his first step into effects pedals was a new custom-built tube-driven overdrive that gathered the attention of the local music scene. Within a few years and stocked with a wide range of effects to share with the world, he developed the Tsakalis AudioWorks brand.
With a focus on hand-building and only using quality components, their ethos of simple and easy-to-use pedals to provide the player with a host of different options without getting in the way of their creativity, has resulted in a deep and diverse range of internationally critically acclaimed pedals.
The Tsakalis range includes versatile Boost, Overdrive, Fuzz and Distortion pedals such as the veritable “Marshall in a Box” ROOM #40 and a set of tone champions that include the Six, the Molecular Boost, the Nerve MKII High-Gain dual distortion, the retro tone focused AC MASTER reminiscent of 1960s British amps pushed to their limit, plus the vintage-inspired Experience Fuzz Octave.
However, this brand is not just about distortion and fuzz pedals. Tsakalis also offer the award-winning cab sim and preamp monster – Multicab 4, a complete real tube preamp solution in MOTHERSHIP as well as the Zipper MKII optical compressor and a range of simple, yet nifty, ambience and modulation pedals that include the Ocean V2 triple reverb, the TILAY analog-tape-voiced delay and the Galactic multi modulation, while the juicy funkiness of the Phonkify X envelope filter/octaver completes the line-up.
AC MASTER
British Style Overdrive and Booster
Designed for players who love the sound of classic 60s British amplifiers pushed to their limits, AC MASTER combines two classic British circuits in a single pedal, a VOX-style overdrive and a Range Master inspired booster. AC MASTER offers immediate access to the iconic tones associated with players like Brian May and Rory Gallagher, while also covering a wide range of modern drive and boost applications.
The AC MASTER features a unique dual-circuit design with dedicated input and output jacks for each section, offering exceptional flexibility for placement within your signal chain. The AC and MASTER sections can both be used completely independently, so other pedals can be inserted between them, allowing you to integrate the two circuits anywhere within your signal chain.
The AC section is a faithful recreation based on the legendary three-channel VOX Top Boost amplifiers of the 1960s. It accurately recreates the complex harmonic character of these classic amplifiers by blending the warm, thick “Normal channel” with the bright, chimey “Top Boost channel”. It also features an interactive VOX-style EQ (Bass and Treble), Tone Cut for high-frequency roll-off, and Master Volume. The circuit is designed to work exceptionally well with other drive pedals, maintaining clarity and delivering dynamic compression, enhanced sustain, and rich harmonic saturation when pushed hard.
The MASTER section is a premium booster inspired by the iconic Range Master treble booster, using a carefully selected silicon transistor that captures the dynamic response and musical character of vintage germanium while providing greater reliability and consistency. It features a Boost control, Master Volume, and a 3-way Frequency Selector offering Normal (classic treble boost), Mid (focused midrange push), and Bass (fuller response) settings.
MOTHERSHIP
Real Tube Preamp with Cabinet Simulation and MIDI Control
Seamlessly blending the authentic analogue warmth of real tubes with a highly configurable cabinet simulator, plus flexible outputs and control options, the MOTHERSHIP – Real Tube Preamp stands out as possibly the most highly featured and flexible front end for any guitar rig currently available.
Both channels on the MOTHERSHIP are identical, yet highly configurable. Featuring three gain modes (High, Medium and Low) on each channel, along with a toggle switch for selecting between your three chosen speaker simulations, the MOTHERSHIP can conjure up a multitude of both iconic, familiar and unique tones easily and intuitively. Each channel also features two master gain controls along with two master volumes, allowing four different voices to be instantly recalled, either by pressing the relevant footswitch or via MIDI command.
Demonstrating its prowess as a fully comprehensive plug and play device, the MOTHERSHIP also features over 70 free custom cabinet simulations to choose from (when connected to Tsakalis’ own TAW Editor app via USB), separate dedicated simultaneous outputs for both the cabinet simulator and a “dry” output for your amp of choice, MIDI control of channel and A/B selection and also a serial mono FX loop for added tonal versatility.
The MOTHERSHIP is a complete solution for authentic vintage and modern genuine tube amp tones, in a user-friendly and lightweight, yet rugged package that is designed to slot in easily into any setup.
Multicab 4
Cabinet Simulator / Pre-amp
The MultiCab 4 offers 8 custom-made virtual guitar cabinet presets and natural room ambience combined with pre-amp type, power-amp voicing , cabinet back type and microphone type voicing controls. All carefully blended to deliver the cab sim every player has been looking for. No frustrating menus, simply plug in and enjoy one of the handiest tone-tools out there.
Maintaining the simplicity and the functionality of the highly praised MK3.5 version, we redefined our cab-simulation process delivering even better performance, clarity and dynamics to your tone. All this with the added ability to store your favorite cabs to the 8 presets via USB and the dedicated T.A.W. Editor app.
Go direct to the PA and the audio interface from your pedalboard with MultiCab 4 and create a lightweight rig. Use it as an amp DI between your amp and the cabinet to send your true tube tone to the PA. Pair it with a dummy load to practice your tube amp silently at home with headphones and jam with backing tracks by using the AUX input.
The MultiCab 4 lets you do all the above and more without having to deal with any complex menus and sub-menus. An easy plug’n’play set-up lets you dial in the perfect settings in a matter of minutes. A mixture of elements from both analog and digital worlds were used to achieve the most realistic response.
Room #40
Marshall Mojo in a Box
Heavily inspired by the tone and feel of the following legendary Marshall amps: the non master volume series PLEXI Super Lead and Super Bass and the master volume series JMP and JCM800 .
Over the years, Tsakalis AudioWorks have had many different types of Marshall amps on their workbench, some for repairs and others for customization. Being huge fans of the sound of these classic amplifiers, that still continues to excite them through the music of so many artists, they decided to try and capture its mojo – the true essence of the soul of this sound – and carefully place it in a little box. Thus the Room #40 was born!
Using JFET technology, Tsakalis tried to stay loyal to the tone and feel of the following legendary Marshall amps: the non master volume series PLEXI Super Lead & Super Bass and the master volume series JMP and JCM800. They focussed on emulating the compression and sag coming from the power amp section, when these amps are pushed to the edge, while at the same time giving access to two famous mods, mod #39 found in the PLEXI) and mod #34 of the JMP and JCM800. Of course the manifestation of their love for the late great Eddie Van Halen, who created the so called “brown sound” using an ohmite variac (variable transformer used to lower or raise the voltage going into the amplifier), could not be absent from this endeavor.
Finally, they incorporated the Presence control to make the sound adjustable to any circumstance, regardless of whether you are plugged into the front of an amp that may or may not have a bright cap or even straight to a power amp.
Phonkify X
Envelope Filter and Octave
Maximise your funk with the Tsakalis Audioworks Phonkify X pedal. A potent pairing of fabulous filters and outstanding octaves. Expanding on the esteemed original Phonkify, the Phonkify X turns up the funk-o-meter with three selectable flavours of envelope filter and three types of octave voicings. This makes the pedal not only perfect for juicing up your jams and dripping your tone in cosmic gravy, but also delivers filters and octave tones that go way beyond and into the spaces between.
Featuring flexible momentary or latching operation for each effect, plus a dedicated toggle switch for selecting the order of the filter and octave, the Phonkify X is ready to pour on the funk gravy and turn up the stank factor!
The Phonkify X isn’t just a pedal. It’s a total vibe machine, a groove generator and a tone tailor for the funky-hearted. Whether you’re laying down tight pocket grooves or blasting off into experimental soundscapes, the Phonkify X has the tools to elevate your sounds right into the stratosphere.
Six
Booster, Overdrive, Distortion
For many years Tsakalis AudioWorks have wanted to create a truly mind-blowing overdrive / distortion pedal that would be small and practical yet would offer huge powerful tones, natural feel and flexibility. And of course, to do that they needed reference. So they decided to combine all the good stuff found in the legendary Timmy, Blues Breaker and King Of Tone pedals, and try to come up with that extra something that would take things even further.
The Six – Booster, Overdrive, Distortion is the culmination of a long period of modifying and prototyping and countless hours of testing and swapping ICs, capacitors and diodes.
Not willing to stop experimenting until T.A.W. had a pedal that would really speak to us in the studio and on stage, they decided to completely nerd out and try some unconventional methods. It was during this process that they discovered something really innovative…
Looking for that magic ingredient, they decided to think out of the box and removed all the capacitors from the audio path (coupling capacitors), which resulted in a more natural feel than ever before and respect to the original tone of the guitar without any added compression or color that would be coming from the coupling capacitors. By applying what they call cap-less technology®, you can really hear the character of your instrument and consequently your own hands!
Nerve MKII
Dual High Gain Distortion
Nerve MKII is a High-GainDistortion pedal specially made for aggressive styles. Two channels with independent Gain and Volume controls sharing a 4-control standard American style EQ. Perfectly matched JFET stages, give an unbelievable result, touching the color of British and American style amps.
Quick response and touch sensitive, makes this pedal unique for extreme styles. Full and juicy tone perfect for both Rhythm and Solos.
A dedicated toggle switch for Channel 1, selecting between High and Low gain settings, and a dedicated insert jack (FX loop) for channel 2 makes the pedal ideal for almost any use..
Experience
Fuzz Octave
Experience is a unique Fuzz & Octave up pedal that was designed to revive the sounds of the 60’s and 70’s with a modern touch.
It features 2 stand-alone channels in series (fuzz and octave) which can be used individually or together, offering a wide range of dirty goodness!
The Octave channel produces a classic and easy to manipulate octave up effect, sitar & harmonica like sounds, enhancing your tone with ringing octaves and micro-phonic feedback at the end of every note. It features separate volume and tone controls for a wide range of colors.
The fuzz channel is based on the Jordan™ Boss Tone fuzz circuit and is capable of producing a wide range of tones. From mild and creamy overdrive and classic fuzzy tones, all the way to heavily distorted goodness with sub octaves, similar to trombone and analog synth! It is equipped with 2 vintage silicon transistors with FET clipping for richness and detail and four controls (gain, volume, tone and damage) with which you can adjust the type of distortion.
Combining the 2 channels is where the real Experience begins! Create your signature sound exploring the Experience’s endless tonal capabilities!
Unleash your creativity and let the Experience do the rest…
Galactic
Multi Modulation
Ever wondered what the universe sounds like?… Tsakalis AudioWorks do… daily!
So they decided to do their best and capture the sounds of the Cosmos in one crazy little box, the Galactic.
They wanted to create a unique modulation pedal which, apart from providing you with their version of basic effects, lets you combine and blend them in a way that brings new textures to your sonic arsenal and creates potential for exploration!
They chose five basic modulation effects – Phaser, Univibe, Vibrato, Rotary Speaker and Flanger – and made it possible for you to use them separately or in pairs, blending them together via a Blend control creating interesting effects from 3D chorus to many other spacey and yet to be named soundscapes. Find your sweet spot for each pair and discover an unexplored Galaxy of sounds and inspiration!
Three expression input jacks let you control the Speed and Depth of the effects, as well as how you choose to Blend them, making your live performance easier and letting you experiment even on stage!
Use the Galactic modulation to enrich your music with the sounds of the unknown!
Molecular Boost
Boost, Preamp, Buffer, Volume Pedal
The Molecular Boost is a small but powerful and versatile stomp box. It can be used as a buffer, a booster, a pre-amp or a volume pedal and it can be placed anywhere in your rig.
An internal voltage doubler ensures that the Molecular boost can handle any signal level, leaving the quality of your tone intact. A dual high speed FET op-amp is responsible for matching the impedance of most pickups and piezos and for accurately preserving the character of any instrument plugged into it, while driving even the longest cables without any signal loss.
Enjoy a generous amount of boost from 0dB. to +18 dB by adjusting the easily accessible external knob.
Use the four external dip switches on the left side of the Molecular to dive into some serious tone shaping and to access extra features such as the boosted frequency range (highs or mids), a high cut filter, and the XP input.
Also, an internal switch allows selecting between True bypass and Buffered bypass modes, so that you experience zero signal loss even when the pedal is bypassed.
There is more! Connect any volume or expression pedal to the XP input to control the overall volume of the boosted signal when the pedal is engaged, or the unity level when the pedal is disengaged and in buffered bypass mode.
Ocean V2
3 Flavours of Reverb
The Ocean V2 was designed to produce studio quality classic and ambient reverb, enabling you to set different moods without having to sacrifice too much precious pedal-board space due to its small size. It offers a wide range of textures, from thick, endless hall reverb to symphonic shimmer and vintage spring reverb.
Ocean V2 features three different reverb type modes, all customisable via Size, Diffuse and Storm controls:
- Hall mode (HL) Choose from echo similar to that of a small room all the way to a long “haunted” hall.
- Shimmer mode (SH) From classic hall reverb to symphonic – almost infinite reverb with pads and overtones.
- Spring mode (SP) Classic vintage spring reverb similar to that of an actual spring reverb tank. From very short and small room reverb effect, to vintage surf and all the way to glorious splash & ‘boingy’ spring reverb.
The Mix control lets you adjust the level of the reverb volume in respect to the dry signal.
Also, an internal trimmer lets you adjust the master volume of the pedal, in case that any volume drop or boost is caused by the reverb effect.
Another very important aspect of the Ocean V2 is that it does something that many reverb pedals fail to accomplish. It respects your signal and preserves your sound signature!
TILAY
Tape & Analog LoFi Delay
The TILAY (short for Time Layer) delay pedal reaches up to 650 milliseconds of delay time and features two types of delay, Tape & Analog selectable via a dedicated toggle switch.
It uses both analog and digital worlds for best results. Α fully analog path featuring a high-speed FET op-amp and top-quality passive components to ensure the utmost respect to your original signal, combined in parallel with a digital device, which is responsible for the repeats of the delay.
Tape mode simulates the tape saturation and brightness of the old school Tape Echo delay units. With an internal trimmer you can adjust the amount of tape saturation, like changing the tape size of the Tape Echo!
Analog mode emulates the warmth and smoothness analog delays are well known for.
Zipper MKII
Optical Compressor
The first thought that comes to mind when listening to the phrase optical compressor is no other than the old and unique Urei LA3A! Our goal was to create an optical compressor with such simplicity, capabilities and warmth but at a compact size, and the result is the Zipper MKII!
The Zipper MKII is a discrete and quiet optical compressor with tons of headroom and punch to your sound without changing your tonal character.
The hand-selected optical element provides auto adjustable Attack and Release, depending on the signal’s strength and amplitude. Select between Hard and Soft ratio from a dedicated toggle switch, Hard being 10:1 and Soft being 4:1 compression ratio. The pedal can be used as a maximizer or clean booster with the compress control up to 9 o’clock.
At high compress settings the sound becomes punchy and percussive perfect for “Gilmourish” licks, funk and chicken picking styles.
This is a high end Pro-Audio compressor at your feet!
Audio Distribution Group is proud to be the exclusive distributor for Tsakalis AudioWorks
in Europe (except GR, CZ and SK) and the United Kingdom.